Community

Foundation Programs

The P.L.A.Y.S. Program

The Chicago Fire Foundation P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program is committed to enhancing the academic performance and development of key social and emotional (SEL) skills of elementary school students through a sports based curriculum.

The P.L.A.Y.S. Program created in partnership with World Sport Chicago, not only teaches soccer skills, but also explicitly teaches SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) traits and values such as emotional control, goal setting and attainment, cooperation and respect and communication and teamwork. These SEL traits are tied to academic success and are used with sport training to improve the physical well-being and academic capabilities of the students. It is our belief that by teaching these values within the structure of an athletic activity, that students will learn and adopt these values, transfer them from the athletic field to the classroom and thereby improve both their behavior as well as their academic outcomes.

P.L.A.Y.S. has drawn high marks from community leaders, including Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel.

"By teaching our children the skills of teamwork, focus, discipline, and overcoming adversity – you are teaching them the skills they need for success in life," Mayor Emanuel said.

P.L.A.Y.S, which began in 2013, has seen over 27,136 hours of soccer played by both boys and girls in grades 3-5 in 12 Academy for Urban School Leadership Schools throughout Chicago. The Spring 2015 season is currently underway.

2015 MLS Community MVP

Each year, Major League Soccer looks for individuals who promote goodwill, demonstrate leadership qualities and help to improve lives within their community as the MLS WORKS Community MVP. In 2015, you nominated Rob Castaneda as your Chicago Finalist for his outstanding community efforts.

Premier Skills

Originally launched in 2007, Premier Skills is a global partnership between the Premier League and the British Council which uses the powerful brand and expertise of the Premier League and the global reach of the British Council to help marginalized youth develop skills and tackle a variety of social issues, such as social and emotional development, health, education, disability and inclusion. The program also works with young people to decrease anti-social behavior and gang-related violence. For the program’s extension in Little Village, the Fire has teamed up with the British Council, English Premier League, Beyond the Ball, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Park District.

All "Kicks for Kids" beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations providing a direct service to economically or otherwise challenged youth in the Chicagoland area. If your organization is interested in becoming a "Kicks for Kids" beneficiary, please complete our online application.

The Chicago Fire and the Chicago Fire Foundation would like to thank all the companies and individuals who have participated in the "Kicks For Kids" Program. Your support helps create lasting memories for our community's youth.View our "Kicks for Kids" sponsors.

For more information or to become a Kicks For Kids sponsor:
Chicago Fire Sales Department
708-594-7200
1-888-MLS-FIREtickets@chicago-fire.com

Passback Program

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and the Chicago Fire Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Soccer.com, are proud to present the Passback Program. This program allows individuals or groups to bring new and gently used soccer equipment, which is then donated to youth soccer programs. Donated items can include: Uniforms, Shin Guards, Goalie Gloves, Cleats, Soccer Balls and Water Bottles

Click Here for more information or to get involved with the Passback Program in 2015.

Firefighter of the Match

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club is proud to recognize local firefighters for their courage and sacrifice. At each Chicago Fire home match, the club honors a “Firefighter of the Match” presented by Country Financial.

Click Here to meet our 2015 “Firefighters of the Match” presented by Country Financial